Chelsea vs West Ham Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 31 January

Chelsea will host West Ham United at Stamford Bridge in a Premier League clash on Saturday, 31 January. This match is set to be a significant encounter as both teams look to strengthen their positions in the league standings. Chelsea, renowned for their strong performances at home, will aim to capitalise on their advantage at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, West Ham United will be eager to challenge their London rivals and secure crucial points away from home.

The Premier League has seen both Chelsea and West Ham United deliver some thrilling performances this season, making this fixture one to watch. Chelsea’s tactical prowess and West Ham United’s resilience promise an intriguing battle on the pitch. With both teams having much at stake, this match could have implications for their respective campaigns, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans and bettors alike. Keep an eye on this fixture for potential betting opportunities.

Chelsea vs West Ham United Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
West Ham United to win	5.88

Chelsea’s recent struggles, combined with West Ham United’s disciplined defence and effective counter-attacking style, make West Ham United a strong contender in this London derby. Our recommended betting tip for this match is to back West Ham United to win.

• Chelsea have conceded the most goals in the 76-90 minute interval this season, indicating late-game vulnerabilities.
• West Ham United have shown strong form recently, excelling in counter-attacks and set pieces, which can exploit Chelsea’s mistakes.
• More than 2.5 goals have been scored in 78% of the 9 matches between these teams in the past 5 seasons, suggesting an open game where West Ham United can capitalise.

Betting Odds

Chelsea are stepping onto the Stamford Bridge turf as firm favourites with betting odds of 1.51, reflecting their strong home form. West Ham United, however, are priced at 5.88, offering a tempting return for those backing an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Chelsea to win	1.51
Draw	4.47
West Ham United to win	5.88

The draw is pegged at 4.47, which could be worth a punt given the unpredictable nature of London derbies. Punters might also consider the over 2.5 goals market, as both teams have shown a knack for finding the net in recent encounters.

Chelsea Analysis & Past Performance

Chelsea have demonstrated strong form lately, securing four wins out of their last five matches. This run includes impressive victories against Crystal Palace (3-1) and SSC Napoli (3-2), showcasing their capability in both domestic and European competitions.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
SSC Napoli	Chelsea	2 – 3 (Win)	Champions League	28 Jan 2026
Crystal Palace	Chelsea	1 – 3 (Win)	Premier League	25 Jan 2026
Chelsea	Pafos FC	1 – 0 (Win)	Champions League	21 Jan 2026
Chelsea	Brentford	2 – 0 (Win)	Premier League	17 Jan 2026
Chelsea	Arsenal	2 – 3 (Loss)	EFL Cup	14 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• WWWWL

Chelsea’s attack has been prolific, with an impressive average of 2.20 goals per game over their last five fixtures. Defensively, they’ve managed to keep two clean sheets, maintaining a goals conceded average of 1.20 per match. Their ability to score consistently is evidenced by finding the net in all their recent matches, highlighting a well-rounded attacking setup led by João Pedro, who is their top scorer with eight goals this season.

Chelsea Suspensions & Injuries

Chelsea face a significant challenge with several key players unavailable due to injury. Levi Colwill’s cruciate ligament injury keeps him sidelined until late April, which impacts Chelsea’s defensive solidity. The absence of Caleb Wiley and Roméo Lavia, both expected to return in early February, leaves a gap in the midfield dynamics. Tosin Adarabioyo’s thigh injury means he will not be available until mid-February, further thinning Chelsea’s defensive options.

With Filip Jörgensen and Cole Palmer listed as doubtful due to a knock and a thigh injury respectively, Chelsea’s attacking depth might be tested. Head coach Liam Rosenior may need to rely on tactical versatility, likely maintaining the 4-2-3-1 formation with available starters such as Marc Cucurella and Reece James, to balance both defensive and attacking responsibilities.

The injury to Dário Essugo, expected to return late February, and others, necessitates strategic adjustments. Replacements like Trevoh Chalobah and Benoît Badiashile will need to step up, ensuring the team remains competitive against West Ham United.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Levi Colwill	Cruciate ligament injury	Late April 2026
Caleb Wiley	Groin injury	Early February 2026
Roméo Lavia	Thigh injury	Early February 2026
Tosin Adarabioyo	Thigh injury	Mid February 2026
Filip Jörgensen	Knock injury	Doubtful
Cole Palmer	Thigh injury	Doubtful
Dário Essugo	Muscle injury	Late February 2026

Chelsea Key Players

João Pedro stands out as Chelsea’s top scorer with eight goals this season, showcasing his ability to finish clinically and lead the line effectively. His movement and sharpness in the box will be pivotal against West Ham United’s defence. As the central forward, João Pedro’s ability to create space and capitalise on scoring opportunities will be a key factor in Chelsea’s attacking strategy.

In midfield, Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo are expected to control the tempo and dictate play. Fernández’s vision and passing range, combined with Caicedo’s defensive prowess, provide a balanced midfield partnership that can both protect the defence and support attacks. On the wings, Pedro Neto’s pace and dribbling skills could be instrumental in breaking down West Ham United’s defensive lines.

• Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez
• Defence: Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoît Badiashile, Reece James
• Midfield: Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, Pedro Neto, Andrey Santos, Estevão
• Forward: João Pedro

Defensively, Reece James and Marc Cucurella are crucial for Chelsea’s solidity. James’ ability to support the attack while maintaining defensive duties on the right flank adds a dynamic edge to Chelsea’s play. Cucurella’s defensive awareness and tactical understanding make him a reliable presence at the back, essential for thwarting West Ham United’s counterattacks.

Chelsea Tactics and Formation

Chelsea Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: João Pedro
• Midfield Pivot: Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo
• Defensive Strength: Reece James and Marc Cucurella
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and rapid counter-attacks.

Chelsea’s 4-2-3-1 formation provides a balanced approach between attack and defence. Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo serve as the midfield pivot, crucial for both ball-winning and transitioning play. João Pedro leads the attack, supported by wingers Pedro Neto and Estevão, who add width and pace to the offensive setup.

Defensively, Chelsea benefit from the experience of Reece James and Marc Cucurella at full-back positions, with Benoît Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah forming the central defensive partnership. This lineup has helped Chelsea secure two clean sheets in their last five matches, underscoring their defensive organisation.

Offensively, Chelsea’s strategy emphasises high pressing and exploiting transitions, often looking to catch opponents off guard with quick counter-attacks. This has been effective in recent games, where Chelsea have averaged 2.2 goals per match, showcasing their attacking prowess.

West Ham United Analysis & Past Performance

West Ham United have encountered a mixed bag of results in their recent outings, with their last five matches producing two wins, two losses, and one draw. This run includes victories against Sunderland (3-1) and Tottenham Hotspur (2-1), highlighting their capability to score crucial goals even against tough opponents.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
West Ham United	Sunderland	3 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	24 Jan 2026
Tottenham Hotspur	West Ham United	1 – 2 (Win)	Premier League	17 Jan 2026
West Ham United	Queens Park Rangers	1 – 1 (Extra time: 1 – 0) (Win)	FA Cup	11 Jan 2026
West Ham United	Nottingham Forest	1 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	6 Jan 2026
Wolverhampton Wanderers	West Ham United	3 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	3 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• WWWLL

Currently sitting 18th in the league with 20 points, West Ham United’s attack has shown some promise, averaging 1.60 goals per game over the last five fixtures. However, defensive frailties remain a concern, as they’ve conceded an average of 1.80 goals per match and failed to keep a clean sheet in these games. When playing away, their form slightly diminishes, with just one win in their last five away matches, reflecting a win ratio of 20%. Jarrod Bowen remains a key figure in their attacking setup with seven goals this season, offering a consistent threat up front.

West Ham United Suspensions & Injuries

West Ham United will be without Łukasz Fabiański, who is sidelined with a back injury until mid-February 2026. His absence means Alphonse Areola will continue as the starting goalkeeper. While Areola has been reliable, Fabiański’s experience is a significant loss, potentially affecting the team’s defensive organisation. The Hammers’ backline will need to be particularly vigilant against Chelsea’s attacking threats.

Lucas Paquetá’s unavailability due to a back injury is a blow to West Ham United’s midfield creativity. Paquetá’s ability to link midfield and attack is pivotal, and his absence may force Nuno Espírito Santo to rely more heavily on Tomáš Souček and Mateus Fernandes for forward momentum. This change might see a more conservative approach, with a focus on maintaining possession and defensive solidity.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Łukasz Fabiański	Back problem	Mid-February 2026
Lucas Paquetá	Back problem	Early February 2026

With no suspensions affecting the squad, West Ham United can focus on tactical adjustments. The absence of Paquetá might lead to a shift towards a 4-4-1-1 formation, aiming for a compact midfield. This setup could provide more stability but may limit their attacking options against a formidable Chelsea side.

These injuries could influence betting markets, as West Ham United’s depth will be tested. Bettors might consider Chelsea’s home advantage and West Ham United’s recent form without key players when placing wagers on the match outcome.

West Ham United Key Players

West Ham United will heavily rely on their top scorer, Jarrod Bowen, who has netted seven goals this season, to spearhead their attack against Chelsea. Bowen’s versatility and sharpness in front of goal make him a constant threat, and his ability to exploit spaces will be crucial in breaking down Chelsea’s defence. Alongside Bowen, Valentín Castellanos, leading the forward line, will be pivotal in capitalising on any goal-scoring opportunities that arise.

In midfield, the presence of Pablo Fornals and Tomáš Souček provides West Ham United with a blend of creativity and physicality, essential for both orchestrating play and breaking down Chelsea’s attacks. Souček’s aerial prowess and defensive contributions add depth to West Ham United’s tactical setup, while Fornals’ vision could unlock the opposition’s defence. At the back, Jean-Clair Todibo’s leadership and defensive acumen will be vital in organising the defence against Chelsea’s potent attack.

Expected lineup for West Ham United

• Goalkeeper: Alphonse Areola
• Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jean-Clair Todibo, Oliver Scarles
• Midfielders: Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville, Pablo Fornals, Mateus Fernandes, Tomáš Souček
• Forward: Valentín Castellanos

West Ham United Tactics and Formation

West Ham United Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-1-1
• Key Forward: Valentín Castellanos
• Midfield Anchor: Tomáš Souček
• Defensive Strength: Consistent defensive lineup
• Notable Strategy: Utilisation of wide players and pressing in midfield.

With Nuno Espírito Santo at the helm, West Ham United have adopted a 4-4-1-1 formation that offers a balance between defensive solidity and attacking potential. The absence of Lucas Paquetá pushes Pablo Fornals into a more central creative role, while Tomáš Souček anchors the midfield, providing both defensive coverage and aerial threat during set-pieces.

Defensively, the back four of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jean-Clair Todibo, and Oliver Scarles have shown consistency, though the team have struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding in all of their last five matches. Alphonse Areola remains a reliable presence in goal, tasked with organising the defensive line.

Offensively, West Ham United rely heavily on the pace and creativity of wingers Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville. They aim to exploit the flanks and deliver crosses to Valentín Castellanos, who operates as the focal point in attack. However, the lack of clean sheets highlights potential vulnerabilities in defence that Chelsea will look to exploit.

Chelsea vs West Ham United H2H Record

Chelsea have dominated the head-to-head record against West Ham United, winning 30 of their 50 encounters, while West Ham United have managed 11 victories, and 9 matches have ended in draws. The last meeting saw Chelsea thrash West Ham United 5-1 away at the London Stadium in the Premier League, showcasing their attacking prowess.

The last time Chelsea hosted West Ham United at Stamford Bridge, they secured a 2-1 victory in February 2025. Chelsea’s home form against West Ham United has been particularly strong, often resulting in high-scoring games. Historically, Chelsea have been the more consistent side in this fixture, especially when playing at home.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	League	Date
West Ham United	Chelsea	1 – 5	Premier League	2025-08-22
Chelsea	West Ham United	2 – 1	Premier League	2025-02-03
West Ham United	Chelsea	0 – 3	Premier League	2024-09-21
Chelsea	West Ham United	5 – 0	Premier League	2024-05-05
West Ham United	Chelsea	3 – 1	Premier League	2023-08-20